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Volunteer Business Internships in Costa Rica

Requirements: Volunteers must be over the age of 18 and have at least 1 year of university studies in business or management or 1 year relevant working experience. Volunteers must speak intermediate to advanced Spanish

Accommodation: Host families

Price: From

What's included? Food, accommodation, transfers to and from our specified airport, transport to and from work where required, travel and medical insurance, personal webpage, induction and orientation, 24/7 support

What's not included? Flights, visa costs, spending money

Length of placement: From 4 weeks

Start dates: Flexible

Projects Abroad works in partnership with several associations and educational institutions to help small-scale entrepreneurs develop and strengthen their small businesses, as well as to identify individuals and groups who require training or assistance with their entrepreneurial ideas.

We work with diverse businesses, and no two projects are the same! Entrepreneurs with whom our volunteers have worked include artisans, restaurateurs and shopkeepers.

Many of the entrepreneurs are from low-income backgrounds and depend on the success of their business to support themselves and their families. You have the opportunity, as a volunteer, to share your knowledge, skills and experience with these entrepreneurs.

Business Opportunities with Projects Abroad in Costa Rica

As a volunteer you will work under the supervision of the Projects Abroad Business supervisor in Heredia, helping to ensure that the individuals and groups taking part are given a chance to make a future for themselves.

On a daily basis you will be involved in a wide variety of tasks, which may include the following:

Writing, reading and updating business plans

Developing marketing and advertising strategies

Proving financial analysis

Brand development

Monitoring and mentoring the entrepreneurs’ work

Regular meetings with the entrepreneurs and Projects Abroad supervisor

Providing general business guidance and support to the entrepreneurs

If there is an area in which you have particular skills or interests please let us know.

Your timetable will be flexible and you should expect to spend some time working independently. You should be self-motivated and enthusiastic about taking the initiative to get things done.

Through this project you will gain a unique insight into the process of developing small businesses in a foreign country and how the right support and guidance, can help people become self-supporting and independent. You will spend time in a completely new environment, learning about a different culture and way of life. It will be a rewarding as well as a challenging experience.

The Business project runs throughout the year, except for two weeks over the Christmas and New Year period, as well as during the Easter week. One years’ experience or training in the business or management field, and a strong interest in business and entrepreneurship are required for this project. It is important that you are flexible, communicate well and are willing to learn.

As you will work closely with the entrepreneurs, volunteers on this project should have an advanced level of Spanish in order to communicate effectively with the local people and get the most out of this project.

Some of the media Projects Abroad has featured in: The Times, The Guardian, EL DIARIO, San Francisco Chronicle, Newsweek, Ok! Magazine, The New York Times, The Vancouver Sun, ELLE, BBC, CNBC, Travel and Leisure, BusinessWeek, The Irish Times